Newhall Memorial to offer free flu shots at Chamber Expo

Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital will be hosting a free flu shot clinic for seniors 65 years of age and older or adults in a high-risk category during the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber's 25th annual Home & Business Expo on October 10 and 11.

The free flu shot will help protect against the seasonal flu or the common flu but does not provide protection against all types of flu and does not protect against the H1N1 virus (swine flu).

Though anyone can get the flu, it does not typically cause serious illness in healthy adults.

The flu can be dangerous for the elderly and those who are already sick or have weakened immune systems.

In order to receive a free flu shot, adults must meet the following guidelines:

n age 65 years and older.

n adults age 18 and older with a long-term health problem, weakened immune system, or muscle or nerve disorder.

n adults who live with or care for people at high risk for influenza-related complications.

Flu shots will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis, with 500 doses on Saturday and 300 doses on Sunday.

Participants will be required to sign a release form which includes side effects, allergies, and warning information.

The free flu shots will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, October 10, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, October 11, at the Santa Clarita Sports Complex in Canyon Country.

For more information, contact Laura Young, public relations manager, at 253-8089 or youngll@henrymayo.com.